Witnesses Chase Down Suspected Cell Phone Snatcher

Evanston police have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a cell phone theft in James Park that occurred on April 29, police say. 

Francisco Gonzales, 18, of the 1200 block of Harvard Ter., Evanston, was charged with a Class 4 Felony for theft from a person and was issued a May 10 court date in Skokie, according to police. 

On Monday evening, a 53-year-old man was using his cell phone in the 300 block of Dodge Avenue when someone approached him from behind and snatched the cell phone from his hand. 

Witnesses chased the man and police later located the robber in the 1800 block of Kirk Street, where police say the victim identified Gonzales as the person who stole his phone.

Evanston police are reminding people that several incidents similar to this one have occurred over the past several weeks.

Although Gonzales has not been linked to other robberies or thefts from persons, people using cell phones should be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times while outside.